My Weekends

It's Thursday for many of you, but for me it's the weekend. In most Arab countries the weekend is Thursday and Friday. Friday being equivalent to Sunday.

I'm still trying to figure out what these girls really want and what Saudi culture wants of them. It's interesting and frustrating at the same time.

It's interesting because it's new and gives me lots to think about, and it's frustrating because of the language barrier and because education is so much more than reading, writing and arithmetic. It  also entails respect, punctuality, listening and working well with others. It is so difficult to reinforce this to my students. They seem to want to brush everything off, but in the real world problems don't disappear and they are not solved by pouting or giggling.

As for me, I'm drained this week. My days are long, and it seems that everything that I do or say in the classroom is in vain. I'm also assessing my personal life. I know which road I want to travel career wise, but I would love to have a caring and sincere partner to take the journey with me. I am constantly wondering if he's out there, and is so, is he already in my life?......Things you think about when you're single and in Saudi....Anyway as always I will not be defeated. Faith, persistence and patience always yield great rewards!

Until next time,
Alex

Who's on Third?

Happy Easter Folks!

Frustrating week. It seems that I am in a situation, at work, where I am giving 100%, but I really don't know what the actual game plan is.  Western teachers are expected to behave in a professional, honest and straight forward manner, but are the students and Saudi culture in general ready for our demeanor?

Change is constant, and in some cases may take centuries. As such, I sincerely  hope that my presence here is making a significant  difference. I want my students to flourish, and I want them to accomplish all that their hearts' desire. However, Saudi Arabia isn't the world, and if they are going to do great things, they must realize what the world outside of Saudi expects of them. I hope I am in rhythm with the big picture.


On a more personal note.... It's getting warmer here every day . Summer clothes are displayed in all the shop windows, and the energy associated with warm weather seems to be everywhere. The students are restless. They are thinking about exams and vacation, and the teachers are just as restless, thinking about home, vacation and in some cases what they are going to do with the rest of their lives. If you can make in Saudi as a single Western woman, you can make it anywhere. Me...I'm trying to take it one day at a time.


Until next time,
Alex

One Month and Counting....

Hi Folks!

I've been here for a little over a month. I have survived a bomb scare at the Paris Airport, a delayed flight from Paris to Bahrain because of fog, a long cold night in a Bahrain hotel because my delayed flight caused me to miss my connection to Saudi Arabia, a sand storm upon my arrival to Saudi and bronchitis because of the sand. I'm still here as crazy and as determined to succeed as ever.

Life in Saudi is very interesting. It is particularly interesting if you are a woman. Women here must have a MALE intermediary in order to be taken seriously.  This is very difficult for an attorney, former judge, reared in Brooklyn, New York,  to both swallow and digest. However...When in Saudi wear your abaya, cover your head and chill.

I live in what I would call 80s chic corporate housing. My former roommate moved out on Wednesday.  She jumped at an opportunity for a long awaited single accommodation.

I  teach at a local university. My students are very chatty and in love with their cellphones. This makes it very difficult to, at times, get my point across, but slowly but surely we're bonding.

I'm beginning to learn my way around the City. I've found that it is far more interesting and much safer if you travel in groups. Don't get me wrong, I have taken taxis alone and I'm still alive to talk about it, but camaraderie here is a necessity if you are going to survive and stay sane.

Many of my friends have asked for photographs. Taking photos in Saudi is very restricted. For instance, I can't take pictures of my students or the University. Shopping is Saudi is big! There are malls everywhere. However, I have never seen anyone with a camera at the mall and I will not test the "powers that be" by whipping out my camera and taking pictures. However, I have taken several shots at the hotel and in my neighborhood. When I get about 20 or so photographs, I will share them.

I will admit there are times when I just want to pack my belongings and leave, but I remember that I have a goal and that currently it is my mission in life, to not only be here, but to succeed... I then breathe, become focused.. and continue to win!

Please feel free to comment and please feel free to ask any questions.

Until next time,
Alex

On My Way...

Hi All. Welcome to my blog. I am counting down the days. My visa has been approved and I am scheduled to leave next week.  I know living in KSA is going to be a challenge. As a woman, I can't drive. I must wear an abaya (long black cloak over my clothes). I can't go out into public with a male that I am  not married to or related to, and seating is segregated in all  public accommodations...  No clubs, no movie theaters, no bars, no booze and no bacon.....Hmmmmm... Funny enough, I am looking forward to the challenge.... I'll  keep you posted!